extinction + punishment Flashcards
What is the definition of extinction in behavior modification?
A procedure in which reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior is discontinued, resulting in a decrease of that behavior in the future.
Why is extinction preferred over punishment?
You don’t need an aversive; you change the environment so the consequences don’t happen or happen less.
What must you know in order to stop a behavior?
The function of the behavior.
What does the term ‘topography’ refer to in behavior analysis?
WHAT the behavior looks like.
What does the term ‘function’ refer to in behavior analysis?
WHY the behavior occurs.
What is a punisher?
An event that, when presented immediately after a behavior, causes the behavior to decrease in frequency.
What are synonyms for punisher?
- Aversive stimuli
- Aversive control
What is the principle of punishment?
If in a certain situation, a person engages in a behavior that is followed immediately by a punisher, then the person is less likely to do the same thing again in a similar situation.
What is positive punishment?
Presentation of stimulus immediately following behavior that results in a decrease in the frequency of behavior.
What are common examples of punishers?
- Verbal reprimands
- Contingent exercise
- Overcorrection
What is negative punishment?
The termination of an already present stimulus immediately following a behavior that results in a decrease in the future frequency of the behavior.
What is time-out in the context of negative punishment?
Moving to a less reinforcing situation or withdrawing the opportunity to earn reinforcement.
What is response cost?
Loss of a specific amount of reinforcer.
What are strategies to increase the effectiveness of punishment?
- Increase stimuli for positive, alternative behaviors
- Minimize causes of undesirable behaviors
- Select an appropriate punisher
- Deliver the punisher immediately
What is a direct-acting effect of punishment?
Immediate consequences decrease frequency of behavior.
What is an indirect-acting effect of punishment?
Delayed punishing consequence decreases response frequency.
Why can delayed punishment be effective?
Due to instructions about punished behavior, intervening self-statements, and intervening immediate conditioned punishers.
What are some harmful effects of punishment?
- Can elicit aggression
- Undesirable emotional side effects
- Escape and avoidance behavior
- Conditioning of situations and people as punishers
What should behavior modifiers consider about punishment?
Use as a last resort because it can be easily abused and may have harmful side effects.
What ethical considerations must be taken when applying punishment?
- Client/guardian consent
- Meeting ethical standards
- Safeguards to protect the client
True or False: Punishment teaches new behaviors.
False
What is the risk of continued use of punishment?
People begin to overuse punishment, leading to insufficient reinforcement of desirable behavior.
What are pitfalls of punishment?
